Marist Theatre Program to Stage The Diary of Anne Frank

The Marist Theatre Program and Marist College Club of Theatre Arts (MCCTA) has chosen to use its fall main stage production of The Diary of Anne Frank to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the original Broadway production, while also recognizing the 70th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust. With the production of The Diary of Anne Frank, running October 8 through 11, and a unique, interactive lobby display, the Marist Theatre Program and MCCTA hope to remind audiences to never forget man’s potential inhumanity to man.

James Steinmeyer, director of production, was inspired by recent images of places like Bosnia, Rwanda and Syria, where intolerance has led to the inhumane destruction of life. Steinmeyer, a Marist alumnus and Marist Theatre Program Hall of Fame inductee, had previously directed a version of the production 27 years ago. Despite the passage of time, he noticed that the themes were still relevant today. Steinmeyer explained, “When tackling a historical piece, such as The Diary of Anne Frank, it was important to me that I found a relevant connection to the present. I wanted to ensure that the show, our publicity and our lobby display made such atrocities relevant and helped ensure that we never forget.” The cast's understanding of these issues was enriched immeasurably by their opportunity to meet with an area Holocaust survivor, Mr. Michael Silberstein, who generously took time to describe his experiences to them.

The Marist Theatre Program and MCCTA’s production of The Diary of Anne Frank will be performed October 8, 9, & 10 at 8 p.m. and October 11 at 2 p.m. in the Nelly Goletti Theatre at Marist College. There will be a special American Sign Language interpreted performance and cast talk-back performance on October 11 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults, and discounted tickets are available for deaf and hard of hearing audience members and community groups upon reservation. To reserve seats in advance, contact the box office at (845) 575-3133 or email boxofficemccta@gmail.com.

About Marist College Theatre:

Marist Theatre Program is comprised of the many theatre activities on campus, each unique yet working together to provide a comprehensive learning and social experience for students of all majors.The Marist Theatre Program includes both the student centered theatre club (MCCTA) and the college’s academic theatre offerings of the English Department’s Concentration in Theatre, TheatreMinor, productions & workshops, Alumni Hall of Fame, theatre scholarships, work- study, internships,Pre-College Summer Theatre Institute, Alpha Psi Omega, and the Anderson Playwriting Contest. A host of theatre courses are offered each year, including Acting, Directing and Dramatic Literature.

Marist College Club of Theatre Arts (MCCTA) is the college’s student-run theatre organization. MCCTA is the college’s oldest theatre club and one of its largest and most active clubs on campus. MCCTA produces several productions a year, including a musical, a comedy or drama, dinner theatre, an original play festival and a children’s theatre production. Some offerings are produced fully by students, while others are in cooperation with academic theatre and its faculty and staff.